Best Handbid Podcasts (2025)

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Jingle Bells & Brain Fails: The Handbid Holiday Trivia Episode 29:56

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26d ago29:56

29:56

It’s back! In Handbid’s third annual holiday episode, the Handbid Team go head-to-head in a Christmas trivia showdown. From classic movies and carols to oddball folklore and Bible deep cuts, this episode is pure festive chaos—in the best way. Play along, keep score, and steal a few trivia ideas for your own holiday party or year-end event. Who this…

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Creating Immersive Event Experiences with Opus Event Rentals 24:19

8d ago24:19

24:19

Episode summary If you’ve ever wished your fundraiser felt less like a hotel ballroom and more like an immersive, memorable experience, this episode is for you. Jeff Porter sits down with Nezhdeh Parsanj, co-owner of Opus Event Rentals, to talk about how thoughtful design, specialty rentals, creative lighting, and intentional photo moments can resh…

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Matching Gifts 101: Turn “Free Money” Into Real Revenue with Colleen Carroll, Double the Donation 24:46

1M ago24:46

24:46

Matching gifts are one of the fastest ways to grow event revenue—without asking donors for more than they’ve already given. Colleen Carroll from Double the Donation breaks down how employer matching works, why up to $4–$7B goes unclaimed every year, and simple ways to bake matching into your pre-event, night-of, and post-event workflow. We also cov…

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Holiday Hits: Year-End Events That Actually Work 32:06

2M ago32:06

32:06

Episode summary ’Tis the season… to plan smarter. The Home Team swap holiday menu takes (turkey wars!) and then get practical about running fundraising events between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. From low-lift “open house” formats to creative themes and revenue add-ons, they break down how to cut through a crowded calendar, boost attendance, and ti…

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Adapt or Die: Keeping Your Fundraising Events Fresh and Engaging 23:20

2M ago23:20

23:20

Adapt or Die: Keeping Your Fundraising Events Fresh and Engaging Welcome to Elevate Your Event—the ultimate podcast for fundraisers, event planners, and nonprofit pros who want to take their events to the next level. Hosted by the team at Handbid, this show dives into real-world fundraising strategies, auction best practices, donor engagement tips,…

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Creating an Immersive Event Experience: Art, Music, and Guest Magic with Sky Madden 38:00

3M ago38:00

38:00

Creating an Immersive Event Experience: Art, Music, and Guest Magic with Sky Madden This week on Elevate Your Event, we are joined by Sky Madden—owner of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre and Executive Director of the Museum of Outdoor Arts in Greenwood Village, CO—for a conversation about creating events that are anything but ordinary. Fiddler’s isn’t …

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Know your Crowd: The Secret to Auction Item Success 23:32

3M ago23:32

23:32

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! This week, the Handbid Home Team digs into a topic every auction planner needs to hear: why some items soar—and others totally flop. Spoiler alert: it all comes down to knowing your crowd. Whether you're tossing in zoo passes, weekend getaways, or a family photo session, what works for one event could bomb at ano…

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From Party Planning to Purpose-Driven Fundraising 44:03

4M ago44:03

44:03

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! This week, Jeff Porter sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Search for Water. What started as a party-loving 20-something’s social gatherings grew into a global nonprofit tackling water access, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health in Haiti, Uganda, and Indonesia. Shilpa’s journey sho…

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Centennial Celebration: Lessons and Laughs From 100 Episodes 28:57

4M ago28:57

28:57

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! We’ve hit triple digits—and we're celebrating big. In this 100th episode, Jeff and Mark reflect on the journey so far, revisit fan-favorite moments, and take you behind the scenes with hilarious stories, heartfelt lessons, and a brutally funny AI-generated roast of Handbid's own Jeff Porter. In This Episode: A no…

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Golf Tournaments to Galas: Inside FCA’s Event Evolution 48:59

5M ago48:59

48:59

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this behind-the-scenes episode, Jeff sits down with David Farmer, Area Director for FCA South Denver, to explore how intentional event design, bold decisions, and donor-focused experiences have transformed FCA’s fundraising efforts. In This Episode: The early days of FCA South Denver events—from small golf tou…

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Securing Your Event: Insider Tips from a Pro 47:15

5M ago47:15

47:15

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff and Elise sit down with Dan Donovan from Stratoscope to unpack the often-overlooked world of event security—and why getting it right is critical for both guest experience and event success. In This Episode: How decades of experience at the Olympics, Formula One Las Vegas, Dreamforce, and oth…

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Home Team: Roadmap Reveals & Top Feature Requests 54:19

6M ago54:19

54:19

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff, Elise, and the Handbid team come together for an insider conversation on what’s coming next for Handbid and the most requested features from clients and the team alike. In This Episode: The top feature requests from Handbid clients—what’s coming and why it matters How custom questions for f…

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Unlocking the Power of Donor-Advised Funds 34:16

6M ago34:16

34:16

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this insightful episode, Jeff is joined once again by Mitch Stein from Chariot to break down the often misunderstood world of donor-advised funds (DAFs). From debunking myths to sharing real-life success stories, they dive into how DAFs can revolutionize giving at your fundraising events—and how the Handbid an…

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The Future of Event Check-In: Apps, App Clips, and Arrival Innovation 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this forward-looking episode, Jeff, Elise, and Shania take a deep dive into how mobile app technology can transform the arrival experience at fundraising events. In This Episode: The evolution of mobile and native app technology since the early iPhone days—and why it matters for events The difference between “…

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Kickstart Your Cause with Confidence 47:50

7M ago47:50

47:50

Starting a nonprofit can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff with a parachute you’ve never packed. In this episode, Jeff, Inga, and Mark sit down with Matt Stockman to unpack his six-part framework—the Nonprofit Launch Plan—that helps emerging nonprofits go from overwhelmed to organized. What You’ll Learn: Why most nonprofit founders are driv…

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Derby Day Recap – A Winning Event with Handbid! 54:16

7M ago54:16

54:16

In this fun and candid episode, Mark, Elise, and Jeff recap Handbid’s 19th annual Derby Fundraiser, highlighting what went well, what could be improved, and how they continue to elevate their signature event each year. From logistical tweaks to food upgrades, the team walks us through the behind-the-scenes moments that made this year’s Derby Day a …

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Creating Memorable Guest Experiences with Kim Tittle, 15|40 Productions 46:49

8M ago46:49

46:49

In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we’re joined by Kimberly Tittle, Executive Director of 15|40 Productions, who brings over two decades of expertise in crafting unforgettable events. Kimberly dives deep into what it really takes to elevate guest experiences—from arrival to farewell. She shares how a thoughtful blend of technology and human con…

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Derby Day Done Right – Behind the Scenes of a 19-Year Legacy 39:20

8M ago39:20

39:20

This episode flips the script. No guests. No panels. Just Jeff and Mark diving deep into the history and evolution of one of Denver’s most unique fundraising events: Derby Day at Fiddler’s Green. What started as a backyard party nearly two decades ago is now a full-blown, high-end experience with fire pits, LED screens, custom cocktails, and seriou…

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The Power of Clarity in Nonprofit Goal Setting with Graeme Watt 45:04

9M ago45:04

45:04

In this episode, our guest Graeme Watt introduces the Strategic Inevitability Framework—a powerful tool designed to help nonprofits bring clarity, focus, and follow-through to their strategic plans. Graeme shares why it’s crucial to set clear goals, build accountability, and focus on fewer, high-impact actions to drive meaningful progress. He also …

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Making Wishes Come True: Inside Make-A-Wish Colorado 43:31

9M ago43:31

43:31

In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we sit down with Scott Dishong, CEO of Make-A-Wish Colorado, to explore how his team brings hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. From unique wishes (like a robotic dragon!) to the massive impact of student-led fundraising, Scott shares insights into what makes Make-A-Wish so special. We also dive …

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Keep Donors Engaged & Coming Back: Retention Strategies That Work 36:43

10M ago36:43

36:43

Episode Summary: Your event was a hit—but how do you keep donors engaged after the night is over? In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the must-know strategies for donor retention. From capturing donor data at check-in to creating meaningful touchpoints throughout the year, we’re breaking down practical ways to keep supporters connec…

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Staffing Smarter: Texting for Fundraising Success with James Martin, RallyCorp 35:34

10M ago35:34

35:34

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the Elevate Your Event podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the power of text messaging for fundraising with special guest James Martin from RallyCorp. If you’ve ever struggled with low email open rates or declining donor engagement, you’ll want to hear how SMS can transform the way you connect with supporter…

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Staffing Smarter: How Freelance Talent is Elevating Events with Tracy Judge & Nikki Gonzales, Soundings 1:00:26

11M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we welcome Tracy Judge and Nikki Gonzales from Soundings to explore the evolving world of event staffing and management. They discuss how skilled freelance talent can enhance fundraising events, the importance of aligning the right people with the right roles, and how personality impacts guest experiences. The…

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Elevating Guest Experiences with Cutting-Edge Tech 41:17

11M ago41:17

41:17

Episode Summary: Step into the future of events with Jeff, Mark, and Elise as they break down the latest innovations from AXIS Drive and Stripe Tour. From personalized LED screens that greet guests by name to face-recognition check-ins and walkout payment systems, we’re exploring how next-gen technology is transforming guest experiences. How can fu…

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Master the Art of Public Speaking and Storytelling with Johanna Walker 47:35

12M ago47:35

47:35

Episode Summary: Ready to turn those nerve-wracking speeches into mic-dropping moments? In this episode, public speaking coach and storytelling expert Johanna Walker shares all her best tips on public speaking and storytelling to help you rock the stage at your next event. From crafting emotional, audience-grabbing stories to channeling stage frigh…

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New Year, New Goals! 35:40

12M ago35:40

35:40

Episode Summary: As we bid farewell to a fantastic year, join us for this special New Year’s episode where we reflect on 2024 and set sights on elevating events in 2025. From lessons learned at memorable fundraisers to setting impactful resolutions, this episode is packed with actionable insights for nonprofit leaders and event planners! What You’l…

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Holiday Trivia Extravaganza! 41:03

1y ago41:03

41:03

It’s time for some festive fun! In this special holiday episode of Elevate Your Event, the Handbid team trades fundraising tips for a rollicking round of holiday trivia. From classic Christmas movie questions to New Year’s Eve traditions (did you know about the twelve lucky grapes?), this episode is packed with laughter, friendly competition, and a…

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From Transactional to Transformational: Evolving Fundraising Approaches with Sherry Quam-Taylor 45:06

1y ago45:06

45:06

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Sherry Quam Taylor dives into game-changing strategies to elevate nonprofit fundraising. She explores how diversifying revenue streams, building authentic relationships with major donors, and evolving board roles can drive sustainable growth. Sherry breaks down the power of balancing emotional stor…

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Engaging Corporations Beyond Events with Heather Nelson, BridgeRaise 36:22

1y ago36:22

36:22

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Heather Nelson, president and lead consultant at BridgeRaise, dives deep into the world of corporate fundraising. Heather highlights how to build sustainable partnerships between nonprofits and corporations by aligning values and objectives for maximum impact. She shares insights on creating compel…

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Spreadsheets, GenZ Slang, and Snappy Auctions – Fun with AI at Handbid! 37:50

1y ago37:50

37:50

In this hilarious and practical episode of Elevate Your Event, Jeff Porter, CEO of Handbid, is joined by Elise Druckenmiller and the newest Handbid team member, Mikaela Roth, who brings her GenZ flair to the mix. Together, they dive into the power of AI (specifically ChatGPT) and explore how it can take the busywork out of planning auctions. From g…

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Harnessing Technology for Nonprofit Success with Ashish Malik, 108 Ideaspace 34:54

1y ago34:54

34:54

In this insightful episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the transformative role of technology for nonprofits with Ashish Malik, co-founder and CEO of 108 Ideaspace. Ashish shares over 20 years of experience helping nonprofits and associations modernize their tech stacks, improve donor engagement, and achieve their missions. We explore everyt…

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The Power of Storytelling in Event Marketing with Howard Adam Levy 37:46

1y ago37:46

37:46

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Howard Adam Levy, founder of Red Rooster Group, dives into the critical role of storytelling and strategy in event marketing. He stresses the importance of clearly conveying your organization’s mission and impact to forge stronger connections with donors. Levy also recommends reframing your cause t…

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The 7 Phases of a Successful Capital Campaign with Sarah Plimpton 38:32

1+ y ago38:32

38:32

In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the world of capital campaigns with Sarah Plimpton, Director of Client Happiness at Capital Campaign Pro. Sarah breaks down the seven key phases that every nonprofit should know when planning a capital campaign. From early-stage planning to the all-important “quiet phase” and the art of the big pu…

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From Vision to Action: How EOS Can Transform Your Nonprofit with Jay Strear 46:00

1+ y ago46:00

46:00

Welcome back to another episode of Elevate Your Event! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jay Strear in the studio—a nonprofit veteran with over 30 years of experience. Jay’s here to share his journey from leading a statewide nonprofit to becoming an EOS implementer. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your big ideas into actionable steps, this episode …

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Turning Pages, Raising Funds: How Read-A-Thon is Revolutionizing School Fundraising with Stephanie Davern 44:22

1+ y ago44:22

44:22

In this episode, Stephanie Davern, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Read-A-Thon, shares insights on school fundraising and the importance of fostering a love for reading among students. She delves into the challenges of promoting reading in today’s digital age and how making it fun and inclusive can make all the difference. Read-A-Thon offers…

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Creating Immersive Event Experiences with Joey Goone, Utopia Experience 42:43

1+ y ago42:43

42:43

Join Joey Goone from Utopia Experience as he delves into the art of creating immersive events in this engaging episode. Joey introduces the 3C model, highlighting why people attend events: content, connection, and community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the neuroscience and psychology behind gatherings to create environments where …

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Building Affinity and Community through Events with Queen Bee Fundraising 37:45

1+ y ago37:45

37:45

Join A.J. Steinberg, a seasoned fundraiser and event producer, as she unveils her distinctive approach to nonprofit event planning. A.J. underscores the significance of events as pivotal moments to foster community and build affinity for organizations. She delves into the post-event stewardship process, stressing the necessity of personalized thank…

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Unlocking School Fundraising Potential with Schoolfundr 37:26

1+ y ago37:26

37:26

In this episode of "Elevate Your Event," we chat with Connor Thinnes from Schoolfunder about making school fundraising a breeze. Schoolfundr is a game-changing online platform designed to help schools and their groups raise more money and keep more of what they raise. They do this with a unique optional tip model that lets schools keep a whopping 9…

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After the Derby: Transforming Events with Tech and Creativity - Derby Day Part 4 28:56

1+ y ago28:56

28:56

Tune in to this special episode of "Elevate Your Event," where we wrap up the Derby Event series with a final behind-the-scenes look at the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Derby event. We'll revisit how cutting-edge tech and creative pre-event fundraising ideas turned this event into a huge success. Join us as we highlight the magic of mobile bid…

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Auction Mastery: Tips and Tricks with Kevin Spykerman 50:12

1+ y ago50:12

50:12

Join us as we sit down with Kevin Spykerman to chat about all things auction items and the secrets to getting them. We dive into why presentation and service can make or break your auction packages. Kevin shares some top-notch tips on how to get board members involved and leverage their connections, emphasizing the need for clear direction and acco…

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Adopting New Technology for Established Nonprofits 50:15

1+ y ago50:15

50:15

In this episode of "Elevate Your Event," we dive into the exciting world of advanced technology strategies and their transformative impact on nonprofit events. Join us for another NXUnite panel discussion on using cutting-edge tools to elevate your events and boost donor engagement for maximum impact. Discover how to choose the best technology solu…

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Why Your Fundraising Event Needs a Professional Planner with Adrienne Coffey 46:23

1+ y ago46:23

46:23

Tune in to this engaging episode of "Elevate Your Event" where we chat with event planning expert, Adrienne Coffey. Adrienne shares her insights on how a professional event planner can transform your fundraiser from standard to standout. We discuss the importance of strategic planning, enhancing guest engagement, and incorporating technology to imp…

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Creating Authentic Partnerships with Influencers - Nick Lynch, Collidescope 36:43

1+ y ago36:43

36:43

Hey folks! Welcome back to another episode of Elevate Your Event. Today, we're diving into the world of influencer marketing for nonprofits with Nick Lynch, the mastermind behind Collidescope. Nick's here to share some insider insights on how Collidescope is shaking things up by connecting nonprofits with corporate partners and influencers to turbo…

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Fundraising Event Series: Derby Day Part 3 33:52

1+ y ago33:52

33:52

Welcome to another thrilling episode of "Elevate Your Event," brought to you by the Handbid team! Today, we're back with the third part of our series, and we're getting pumped for the upcoming Derby Day bash. Get ready to turn your run-of-the-mill events into jaw-dropping experiences! We're chatting about the perks of bringing in a pro event planne…

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Simplifying Silent Auctions with Mobile Bidding 26:47

1+ y ago26:47

26:47

On today's episode of Elevate Your Event, we're chatting with the Colorado Springs Conservatory about their recent event success story. They'll be sharing how they made it happen, thanks to Handbid's mobile bidding solution. Imagine ditching those old-fashioned paper bid sheets and diving into the world of tech. The Conservatory team tells us about…

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Fundraising in the Digital Age: Embracing Tools and Trends for Nonprofit Success 56:59

1+ y ago56:59

56:59

Welcome back to "Elevate Your Event"! Today, we're diving into the dynamic world of nonprofit fundraising in the digital age. But don't worry, folks, we're not getting lost in the tech jargon without a guide! Our featured speaker, the one and only Jeff Porter recently shared his wisdom at the NXUnite panel, and we're here to bring you the highlight…

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Harnessing the Power of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) with Mitch Stein of Chariot 40:12

1+ y ago40:12

40:12

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and their game-changing impact on philanthropy! Every year, billions of dollars are granted through DAFs, making them a powerhouse in charitable giving. In this episode, we're joined by special guest Mitch Stein from Chariot as we delve into what makes DAFs tick and how your…

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Accessibility in Fundraising Events with Emma Ord 37:40

1+ y ago37:40

37:40

Join us for the latest episode of "Elevate Your Event" featuring the dynamic Emma Ord! Emma dives into the world of user-centric design principles and their impact on event accessibility and overall experience. Emma doesn't just talk accessibility—she brings a fresh perspective on how these principles can make events more engaging for everyone. Fro…

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From Volunteers to Executives: Women's Roles in Nonprofits with Marissa Walters 30:20

1+ y ago30:20

30:20

Welcome back to "Elevate Your Event"! Today's episode is going to be a fascinating exploration into the world of philanthropy, particularly focusing on the remarkable impact of women. And guess what? We're thrilled to have a returning guest with us, Marissa Walters from Wild Hair Auctions. Women are truly making waves in the philanthropic landscape…

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Fuel for the Future - Fundraising Strategies for Higher Ed Institutions 51:48

2y ago51:48

51:48

Hey there, welcome back to Elevate Your Event! Today's episode is packed with valuable insights into fundraising strategies, and trust us, you won't want to miss it. We're diving deep into the world of higher education fundraising with a fantastic panel discussion with NXUnite. We're talking about everything from personalized digital outreach to do…